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J. F. McGONNELL. TROUSERS 'STRETGHER.

Patented Nov, 19, 1895.

WITNESSES .ziltormyw.

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UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JULIUS F. MCCONNELL, OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO EDWVARD P. SELDEN, OF SAME PLACE.

TROUSERS-STRETCHER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 550,228, dated November 19, 1895.

Application filed ay 8, 1895. Serial No.548,471. (N0 model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, J ULIUs F. MoCoNNELL, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Erie, county of Erie, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Trousers Formers or Stretchers, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification.

My invention relates to a novel construction of trousers formers or stretchers whereby they are rendered simple of application, inexpensive in manufacture, effective and du rable in use, and of small size, adapting them to be conveniently carried in traveling from place to place.

It consists in the combination, with a suspending-cord having suitable end clamps for holding the trousers-legs, of an adjustable bar engaging said cord and adapted to be moved thereon for giving the desired tension to the garment and in certain details of construction, as hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved former or trousers-stretcher complete. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the stretcher-bar, and Fig. 3 is a side elevation showing the manner of applying the former or stretcher in use.

1 indicates a cord of any suitable size and material, provided centrally of its length with a loop 2, by means of which it can be suspended from a hook or other suitable support. The ends of this cord are bifurcated or have short sections 1 of cord secured to them by sewing or, preferably, by means of short metallic sleeves or clamps 4, which are compressed upon the two parts of the cord for holding them firmly united, the sections 1 terminating at the ends of the main cord. These bifurcated ends are provided each with a spring-clasp 5 of any suitable construction, those shown having inwardly-curved and serrated or toothed intermatching jaws 6, adapting them to firmly engage and hold the garment, the opposite ends of these jaws extending beyond the connecting-pivot and the act uating-spring thereon a' d serving as levers for overcoming the tensi n of the spring and opening the jaws in a nranner well understood. One arm or heel extension of each clasp has an expanded end 7, which is bent around and compressed .upon the cord in sleeve form for firmly uniting the clasp thereto. Any other suitable form of clasp may, however, be employed.

8 indicates a bar of wood or any other suitable light material, notched at its ends to receive the ends of the cord passing over said ends, the cord being held in engagement with the ends of said bar by means of metallic loops or staples 9, secured in the ends of the bar, the arrangement being such as to permit the bar to slide or be adjusted up and down on the cord. 1

The operation of the device is indicated in Fig. 3 and will be readily understood. The clasps, arranged in pairs, as indicated, are attached--the opposing ones--one pair to the bottom of one leg and the other to the bottom of the other leg of the trousers, the trousers having first been folded as if for pressing, as indicated, after which the bar 8 is pulled or pushed down on the cord until the desired tension is given to the trousers-legs, after which the trousers are suspended in an inverted position from any suitable support by means of the loop 2. The weight of the garment thus suspended will be found amply sufficient to restore the garment to shape and all undue strain thereon from the use of weights or springs, such as would tend to destroy the life or elasticity of the fabric, is avoided. WVhere the garment is badly out of shape, it will be well to dampen the cloth slightly preparatory to stretching, as eX- plained.

If desired, the bar 8 can be made use of as an advertising medium, the under side bearing directions for use and the upper side the card, &c., of parties handlingthe device.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent-- 1. In a trousers former or stretcher, a suspending cord provided with garment clasps at its ends for engaging the garment, in combination with a stretcher-bar engaging said cord at points intermediate its ends and adapted to be adjusted thereon, for separating the clasps and stretching the garment, substantially as described.

2. In a trousers former or stretcher, a suspending cord having bifurcated ends each provided with an independently acting garment clasp for engaging the garment, said cord, at points intermediate its ends, engaging the opposite ends of and in combination with a stretcher-bar adjustable on said cord for giving the desired tension to the garment, substantially as described.

3. In atrousers former or stretcher,the cord 1, provided with the central suspending loop and the bifurcated ends, the clasps 5, secured to said ends, and, the sliding bar 8, having the notched ends and the retaining loops or staples 9, engaging and rendering the bar adjustable on said cord, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 2d day of May, A. D. 1895.

JULIUS F. MCGONNELL.

Witnesses II. E. FISH, HARRY II. LYNN. 

